Massage Therapy Careers: Demand, Training Hours & How to Get Started
College isn’t for everyone. Whether you’ve already tried or you simply know it’s not a good fit, you may be looking for an education that doesn’t take four years to complete. Did you know that Massage Therapy training takes only 600 to 700 hours to qualify for an exciting and rewarding career? Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers massage therapy course at campuses in Denver, CO, Provo, UT, and the Metropolitan Area of Phoenix, AZ. Learn more about this dynamic industry and how to get started on your journey toward a massage therapy job.
Key Takeaways
- Massage therapy jobs are currently in high demand, with an estimated 15% growth in employment over the next ten years.
- Massage therapists can work at salons, spas, resorts, medical facilities, nursing homes, and more. They can also be self-employed.
- To become a massage therapist, students must complete a program with the minimum number of training hours before passing a licensing exam.
- Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers a 600-hour massage therapy training program in Denver, CO, Provo, UT, and the Metropolitan Area of Phoenix, AZ.
Massage Therapy Careers Are in High Demand
Whether you’re looking for your first career or something new, massage therapy is a great choice. This rapidly growing industry offers the opportunity to build a lucrative career that you love. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 15% growth in employment of massage therapists through 2034, which is much higher than the average. This number suggests plenty of openings for newly trained therapists to take advantage of when kickstarting a career.
The field is also flexible. Massage therapists find work in all kinds of environments. While you might imagine a candlelit spa or salon, massage therapists also work at:
- Hospitals
- Physicians’ offices or clinics
- Nursing homes
- Fitness centers
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Cruise ships
- Their own homes
Plenty of massage therapists also enjoy the opportunity to build their own business. As your own boss, you’ll be able to control your hours, so you don’t miss out on valuable time with family.
Getting Started with a Massage Therapy Job
To become a massage therapist, your basic requirement is a high school diploma. A general educational development (GED) certificate is acceptable if you haven’t finished high school. You must then enroll in a training program from a board-certified beauty school. Make sure you check your state’s requirements before choosing a program. Different states have different training hour requirements:
- Colorado: 650 hours
- Utah: 600 hours
- Arizona: 700 hours
Once you graduate, it’s time to take your state’s licensing exam. If you pass, you are now licensed to perform massage therapy in your state and can start looking for your first position.
Setting Up for Success in Massage Therapy Jobs
While it’s important to understand the minimum requirements, planning your career is a big decision. You need to prepare to make a strong start in a competitive and constantly evolving industry. This means choosing a beauty school that goes above and beyond.
Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes is considered the “Harvard” of beauty schools. We keep up with the trends, teaching students not just proven techniques but also new developments that are the talk of the industry. Topics covered in our Massage Therapy program include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Kinesiology
- Hydrotherapy
- Introduction to deep tissue massage
- Lymphatic massage
- Swedish massage
- Massage theory
- Professional standards
- Ethics and business practices
- Sanitation and universal precautions
Students also get hands-on practice in our Student Salon and Spa (available at each campus), preparing them for real-world experiences. We also work with top brands, including top-tier Aveda products, making sure our students are ready to use the products that customers ask for. With experienced instructors and opportunities to study abroad or attend major industry events, you’ll have the best chance at success.
Enroll Today at a Campus Near You to Start Your Career Training
Are you ready to start on the path toward a rewarding massage therapy job? Enroll in training at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes. Our massage therapy program is available at locations near you in Denver, CO; Provo, UT; Tucson, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; and Avondale, AZ. To request more information about our programs and financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, loans, and more, contact us today.
FAQ About Massage Therapist Jobs
What is the job outlook for massage therapists?
The job outlook for massage therapists is very good, with an estimated 15% growth and 25,900 new jobs before 2034.
How many training hours are required to become licensed?
Minimum training hours depend on your state. Make sure you research your state’s requirements before choosing a beauty school program.
Can I be self-employed as a massage therapist?
Many massage therapists are self-employed. They build their own business and provide services at a small salon, in clients’ homes, or in their own homes.
What are the benefits of becoming a massage therapist?
The benefits of becoming a massage therapist include versatile job opportunities, often flexible hours, an exciting industry, and the opportunity to meet people and help them feel better.